Home Loans After Divorce in Perth, The 2026 Guide
Separation and divorce change your financial picture, but they don't close the door on home ownership. Whether you're buying out your ex-partner, purchasing a new property on your own income, or refinancing to remove someone from an existing loan, there are clear pathways forward once you understand how lenders assess your new position.
The key factors are your individual income, how your property settlement is structured, and which lenders you approach. Many separated borrowers are surprised by their borrowing capacity on a single income, particularly when family support payments and spousal maintenance are assessed correctly. Whether you're looking in Como, Willetton or Canning Vale across Perth, lender policies vary significantly on how they treat post-separation income.
mortgage broker in Perth helps people going through divorce or separation across Perth navigate their home loan options, whether that's refinancing an existing property or qualifying for a new purchase, completely free of charge.
Here's what you need to know about getting approved for a home loan after divorce in Perth, including how lenders assess your income, what documents you'll need, and how to structure your application for the strongest outcome.
Key takeaways
- Lenders assess your individual income post-separation, not your old combined income.
- Court-ordered child support you receive counts as income at up to 100% with most lenders.
- Single parents may qualify for the Family Home Guarantee with just a 2% deposit.
How does divorce affect your home loan eligibility?
Divorce changes your borrowing position, but it doesn't eliminate your options. Lenders assess you based on your individual income and financial commitments post-separation, not your previous combined household income. Your individual borrowing capacity depends on your salary, any family support payments you receive, and your personal expenses, including any child support or spousal maintenance you pay.
What documents do I need for a home loan after divorce?
You'll need standard income evidence plus separation-specific documentation. This includes your divorce decree or separation agreement, any family court orders for property settlement, evidence of child support or spousal maintenance (both received and paid), and proof of your individual income from the past three months. Lenders want to see that your financial arrangements are finalised and sustainable long-term.
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What government schemes can help after divorce?
Several government programs can assist divorced or separated buyers, particularly single parents:
- › Family Home Guarantee: buy with a 2% deposit if you're genuinely single with at least one dependent child, up to $850,000 in Perth metro. No income cap applies.
- › First Home Guarantee: if you haven't owned property in Australia in the past 10 years, buy with a 5% deposit up to $850,000 Perth metro. Income caps were removed in October 2025.
- › WA First Home Buyer transfer duty exemption: full exemption on homes up to $600,000, with a concession applying up to $800,000 in Perth metro (updated thresholds from 7 May 2026).
- › WA First Home Owner Grant:$10,000 for new builds under $800,000 (increased from $750,000 in the 2026-27 WA Budget, applicable to eligible transactions from 7 May 2026), if you qualify as a first home buyer.
How do Perth mortgage brokers help with post-divorce home loans?
A Perth mortgage broker comparison is particularly valuable after divorce because lender policies vary significantly on how they assess your new circumstances. We start by reviewing your individual income, any family support payments, and your post-separation financial commitments to understand your borrowing capacity.
Step 1: Talk to us
Get in touch and we'll assess your individual financial position post-divorce, including how family support payments and maintenance affect your borrowing capacity.
Step 2: Review your settlement options
We'll examine whether buying out your ex-partner, refinancing to remove them from the loan, or purchasing a new property makes the most financial sense for your situation.
Step 3: Compare lender policies
We'll identify which lenders from our wide panel treat your income type most favourably, particularly around family support payments and part-time or casual income if applicable.
Step 4: Structure your application
We'll help you present your financial position in the strongest possible way, ensuring all income sources are documented correctly and your application addresses any lender concerns upfront.
Step 5: Submit and manage the process
We'll lodge your application with the most suitable lender and handle any additional documentation or queries that arise during the assessment process.
Step 6: Settlement support
We'll coordinate with your solicitor and the lender to ensure your loan settles smoothly, whether that's for a property buyout or a new purchase.
What mistakes should you avoid after divorce?
The biggest mistake divorced borrowers make is approaching their existing bank first without comparing options. Your bank may not offer the most favourable assessment of your new income situation, and other lenders might view family support payments or part-time work more positively. Many people also rush into property decisions before their financial settlement is finalised, which can complicate the approval process.
Another common error is not understanding how child support affects your borrowing capacity. Child support you receive is typically counted as income, but child support you pay reduces your available income for loan servicing. Getting this calculation right from the start prevents disappointment later in the process.
How are family support payments assessed by lenders?
Lenders generally count family support payments and spousal maintenance as income, but they apply different assessment rules:
- › Child support received: most lenders count up to 100% if it's court-ordered or through the Child Support Agency, typically discounted to 80-90% for private arrangements.
- › Spousal maintenance: counted as income if it's legally binding and expected to continue for at least 12 months beyond settlement.
- › Family Tax Benefit: some lenders count this as supplementary income, others exclude it entirely.
- › Child support paid: always deducted from your gross income when calculating borrowing capacity.
| Like to know which banks & lenders work best for your situation after divorce? Know where you really stand and what's possible, so you can plan with total confidence. 5.0 on Google
Local experts
Free service
Prefer to talk now? Call 08 9367 4222 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a home loan on my own after divorce in Perth?
Yes. Your borrowing capacity depends on your personal income, any family support payments you receive, and your ongoing expenses including any maintenance you pay. Many divorced borrowers qualify comfortably once their financial arrangements are finalised.
How long after divorce can I apply for a home loan?
You can apply as soon as your financial arrangements are legally finalised and you have three months of evidence showing your new income and expense pattern. Most lenders want to see stable income post-separation rather than a specific waiting period.
Will my ex-partner's debts affect my home loan application?
No. Once you're legally separated and no longer jointly liable for each other's debts, lenders assess only your individual financial position. Any joint debts must be formally separated or one party must take full responsibility before applying.
How much deposit do I need after divorce in Perth?
Standard deposits apply: 20% to avoid lenders mortgage insurance, or as little as 5% with the First Home Guarantee or 2% with the Family Home Guarantee if you qualify as a genuine single parent. Your deposit requirement isn't affected by your divorce status.
Can I remove my ex-partner from our existing home loan?
Yes, through refinancing if you qualify for the full loan amount on your individual income, or through a formal loan assumption if your current lender offers this option. Your ex-partner must agree to be released from the loan liability.
Should I use a mortgage broker or go to my bank after divorce?
A mortgage broker, every time. Lender policies vary significantly on how they assess family support payments, part-time income, and post-separation financial arrangements. A broker comparison ensures you get the most favourable assessment of your individual situation across a wide panel of lenders.
Do I qualify as a first home buyer after divorce in Perth?
It depends on your ownership history. If you haven't owned property in Australia in the past 10 years, you qualify for the First Home Guarantee. If you're a genuine single parent with at least one dependent child, you may qualify for the Family Home Guarantee regardless of previous ownership.
Your Next Steps
Getting your home loan right after divorce is about more than just finding a low rate. The right lender for your post-separation situation can mean better assessment of family support payments, more favourable treatment of part-time income, and a smoother path to approval, outcomes that vary significantly across our wide panel of lenders.
Ready to find out what you can qualify for on your individual income? Contact the Launch Finance team for a free consultation or call 08 9367 4222. We'll assess your post-divorce financial position across our wide panel of lenders and identify the most suitable options for your situation.
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Launch Finance · General information only - this article does not constitute financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.
